Sydney

Australia's oldest and largest city

Overview

Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city and is one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. Set on a stunning harbour and with a cosmopolitan population, Sydney is home to two of the world's most recognizable icons − the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

The 20th-century architectural masterpiece, along with the Hyde Park Barracks (an Australian convict site) are both World Heritage sites and “must see” places. The temperate climate, reasonable cost of living, great range of leisure activities as well as high levels of safety, education and health care are just a few reasons why Sydney is consistently rated as one of the world's best cities.

Sandy beaches, National Parks, world-class theatres, great shopping, museums, art galleries, restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world, business opportunities with a relaxed lifestyle makes life at lot easier and more pleasant in Sydney.

Eat & Drink

Banana Blossom Asian Salads

Banana Blossom Asian Salads combines authentic Asian flavours with fresh local ingredients to bring you a truck load of tasty. They became something of a household name on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Since its first site at Mona Vale, this fresh take on affordable, healthy fast food has cultivated quite a following.

In summary: Fantastic salads with Asian influence at affordable prices.

Located in a former industrial precinct from the 1920s, The Grounds of Alexandria is a landmark coffee roastery, café and sustainable garden known for its abundance of fresh produce and hands-on experiences.

Opened in April 2012, the site which spans approximately an acre within the inner west city fringe suburb of Alexandria, hosts a coffee research and education facility, artisan bakery and a permaculture garden of heirloom vegetables, fragrant herbs, fresh fruit and flowers along with a small animal farm.

Pitt Street Mall is located in the heart of The Sydney CBD and is Australia's busiest and most cosmopolitan shopping precinct boasting retail centres Myer, David Jones, Glasshouse, Sydney Arcade, Westfield Sydney, Mid City Shopping Centre and The Strand Arcade.

With more than 600 specialty stores, Myer, and David Jones, all within two city blocks you're almost certain to find something to fit your style and budget.

Night Out

Venue 505 is an artist run performance space focussing on quality performance and community engagement & development. At the heart of what they do is support for original artists. Jazz, Blues, Funk and Australian bands. Sometimes you can even see some of the famous bands.

With a young audience and music lovers. All of that located in Surry Hills, a neighbourhood where design, fashion, music and style are as essential as breathing.

Launched in 2007, ivy is a leading dining, entertainment and retail destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Home to award-winning restaurants, Sydney’s only rooftop pool bar, numerous event spaces and leading fashion and lifestyle retailers.

Marquee has been lighting up the Sydney nightlife scene since its inception, providing the best local and international talent from around the world to perform exclusively at the venue. Hardwell, Armin Van Buuren, Avicii; Havana Brown, The Stafford Brothers and Will Sparks are just some of the top tier artists that have graced the decks at Marquee and kept Sydney at the forefront of international dance music. The über-chic space has redefined the Sydney club offering, quickly establishing itself as a key celebrity party destination.

Must See

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Spanning Sydney Harbour at a maximum height of 134 metres, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a spectacular feat of engineering and an enduring icon famous the world over. And despite efforts to capture Sydney's signature attraction on film, there’s nothing quite like seeing it for yourself.

Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, an oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city. Wrapped around Farm Cove at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Gardens occupy one of Sydney's most spectacular positions. Established in 1816, it is the oldest scientific institution in the country and is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas.

Sydney Opera House

Beautiful against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the iconic Sydney Opera House is a thriving hub of art, culture and history. It's one of the world's most distinctive buildings, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. Experience all that the Sydney Opera House has to offer by taking a guided tour, watching a show, and enjoying a cocktail beside the harbour at the Opera Bar as the sun sets over this stunning triumph of architecture and design.

Taronga Zoo

One of Sydney's most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife, as well as rare and endangered exotic animals. Overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and shows, and access to the Sky Safari, Sydney's only cable car.

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of the Sydney CBD's buzz places comprising cafes, restaurants, shopping complex with food hall, IMAX cinema, maritime museum, Chinese gardens and entertainment attractions. A former dockside area, the small harbour has been transformed into a major tourist site and leading convention and exhibition centre.It now hosts an extraordinary number of water-front restaurants and its wharves are home to a number of cruise and function boats.

Art Gallery of NSW

Explore five levels of art at one of Australia's most popular art museums, located within beautiful parklands overlooking Sydney Harbour, just 10 minutes walk from the city. See an extensive collection of Australian art, including one of the largest galleries of Aboriginal art in the country, alongside European masters, Asian treasures and leading local and international contemporary art.

Bondi Beach

While golden sands, turquoise waters and perfect waves make Bondi Beach an iconic Sydney attraction, there is plenty to do beyond the surf. Fine dining, eclectic shopping markets, gorgeous coastal walks and a buzzing nightlife can all be experienced in Bondi.

Manly

Manly’s harmonious balance of carefree beach life and urban sophistication makes it one of Sydney’s most popular playgrounds. Whether you are looking to surf, swim, shop or wine and dine, you’ll be able to thoroughly immerse yourself in Manly. For spectacular views, take a ferry from Circular Quay across majestic Sydney Harbour to Manly Wharf.

Blue Mountains

Less than two hours from Sydney by road or train, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is one of the country's most spectacular icons. The surrounding picturesque towns of Blackheath, Faulconbridge, Katoomba, Leura, Megalong Valley, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Hartley, Lithgow and Oberon offer a great range of restaurants and accommodation as well as an endless variety of fun things to do. For one-of-a-kind experiences visit Scenic World for stunning panoramic views of the region, or head underground at the Jenolan Caves, one of the oldest cave systems in the world.